Why the Phoenix has to rise again

With Phoenix Racing's 2011 DTM champion Martin Tomczyk moving to BMW for 2012, the team has it all to do again. By Jamie O'Leary

The big message coming out of the DTM this year is that of change. A major revision of the championship's technical rules to a set of more cost- and safety-conscious regulations featuring 57 spec parts, an increase in the number of cars from 18 to 22 thanks to BMW returning to the series after 20 years away, and even a change to the points system to reward those who win races far more than in 2011.

The situation at Phoenix Racing is almost a microcosm of the championship. The Audi outfit has itself undergone a pretty major change since last October. Ernst Moser's squad surprised many by taking Martin Tomczyk to the title last year with a remarkably consistent run that included three wins for the series veteran and scoring points (finishing in the top eight) in every one of the 10 races.